Ponencias
Fossil fuels are nearing the end of their era. In a landscape that increasingly prioritizes decarbonization to safeguard living standards, moving toward cleaner and more affordable energy sources is essential to ensure broad access for communities across the region. The Valencian Community reinforces its commitment to climate action, aiming to reduce atmospheric carbon and speed up the adoption of sustainable energy. The long-term objective is to achieve 10,000 megawatts of production before 2026, with renewables expected to outpace nonrenewables by then. Real progress depends on supporting green hydrogen, deploying solar photovoltaic installations, and using agricultural and forestry waste to generate energy, thereby creating resilient, local energy systems that benefit households and businesses alike.
In this context, the community emphasizes practical steps that connect policy with everyday impact. By fostering a mix of technologies and fuel pathways, the plan seeks reliable, low-emission power that can withstand seasonal demand and economic fluctuations. The strategy also highlights the importance of smart grid infrastructure, storage solutions, and regional collaboration to accelerate decarbonization while maintaining affordable electricity for all consumers. This approach aligns with broader national and European commitments to energy security and environmental stewardship, reinforcing the region’s leadership in sustainable energy innovation. [Citation: Valencian Energy Strategy briefing]
Talks
Renewable energy is set to be a central theme at the upcoming Valencia Energy Forum, organized by Levante-EMV with collaboration from INFORMACIÓN and El Mediterráneo. The event is scheduled for September 18, starting at 9 a.m., at the Valencia offices of the Bancaja Foundation. The program foregrounds practical discussions on how cleaner energy can reshape industry, transport, and daily life in the Valencian Community. [Citation: Forum agenda]
The day will be guided by Silvia Tomás, Director of Institutional Relations at Valencia PR, and will feature keynote remarks from the President of the Valencian Government, Carlos Mazón, alongside Nuria Montes, the regional Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism. The aim is to set a clear policy and business tone for the region’s energy transition and to invite broad participation from the private sector, academia, and public institutions. [Citation: Forum overview]
Throughout the day, expert-led sessions will examine current energy policy and practice. Manuel Argüelles, Director General of Energy and Mines for the Valencian Government, will discuss the latest policy developments, emphasizing how regional regulations can accelerate clean energy deployment. Javier Cepeda González, Energy Manager at Prezero, will present on energy valorization of waste, highlighting opportunities to convert waste streams into valuable energy while reducing landfill. Estrella Jara Galán, Director of Communications and Institutional Relations at BP, will share insights on how large energy players align with local decarbonization goals. Borja González Collado, Director of Mediterranean Generation at Iberdrola, and Guillermo Berlanga of Grupo Gimeno will provide perspectives from the electricity generation and industrial sectors. Guillermo Roth Damas from Statkraft in Spain will discuss regional leadership and investment in energy projects. [Citation: Expert lineup notes]
Additionally, three round tables will address global and local energy trends. The first table, moderated by Toni Cabot, Director of INFORMACIÓN, will focus on the current state of new energy in the Valencian Community, with participation from Avaesen, the Valencian Energy Cluster, and the UPV energy department. The second table, held after a coffee break, will explore new energy sources and strategies to attract companies, moderated by José Luis Valencia, Director of Levante-EMV. Participants will include Ayora city government, Endesa, Valfortec, and Grenergy. The third roundtable will examine green hydrogen and biomethane as growing fuel sources, moderated by Ángel Báez, Director of Mediterráneo. Participants will include Matteco, Baleària, Genia Bioenergy, and the ITE’s Marketing and Communications Director. [Citation: Roundtable topics]
The event will also feature a networking cocktail at the end of the morning, with the program wrapping up in the early afternoon. The format is designed to foster cross-sector dialogue and concrete collaboration opportunities across industry, academia, and public agencies. [Citation: Networking details]
Programa
Wednesday, September 18.
9:00 a.m. Registration and credentials
Venue and access details are provided at the Bancaja Foundation building. Attendees are encouraged to arrive promptly to register and receive credentials that grant access to all sessions and rounds of discussion.
9:00 a.m. Official opening by Carlos Mazón, President of the Valencian Government. The opening sets the tone for a day focused on practical pathways to cleaner energy and regional leadership in sustainability.
9:10 a.m. Session 1: The current situation of new energies in the Valencian Community. Moderated by Toni Cabot, Director of INFORMACIÓN. Participants include Avaesen, the Valencian Energy Cluster, and UPV. The session will map ongoing projects, regulatory updates, and early results from pilot programs that demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid transition. [Citation: Session 1 notes]
9:50 a.m. A presentation by Guillermo Berlanga, Corporate Director of Innovation at Grupo Gimeno. The talk will explore innovation pipelines that connect industrial strategy with energy efficiency and decarbonization goals. [Citation: Berlanga remarks]
10:00 a.m. A presentation by Borja González, Director of Mediterranean Generation at Iberdrola. The focus lies on regional generation mix, grid integration, and plans to scale renewable capacity across the region. [Citation: Iberdrola presentation]
10:10 a.m. Institutional address by Manuel Argüelles, Director General of Energy and Mines for the Generalitat Valenciana. The address will outline regulatory priorities and support mechanisms for energy shift projects. [Citation: Argüelles address]
10:25 a.m. Coffee break.
11:15 a.m. Presentation by Guillermo Roth, Deputy Director at Statkraft. The discussion will cover investment frameworks, energy storage, and the role of European funding in accelerating clean energy adoption. [Citation: Roth presentation]
11:25 a.m. Session 2: New energies and the keys to attracting companies. Moderated by José Luis Valencia, Director of Levante-EMV. Participants include Ayora City Council, Endesa, Valfortec, and Grenergy. The focus is on corporate attraction, site selection, and the regulatory climate that invites investment in modern energy infrastructure. [Citation: Session 2]
12:10 p.m. Presentation by Javier Cepeda, Energy Manager at Prezero. The talk will delve into waste-to-energy pathways and how material streams can be transformed into value while supporting decarbonization goals. [Citation: Cepeda presentation]
12:20 p.m. Presentation by Estrella Jara, Director of Communications and Institutional Relations at BP. The session will address public engagement, transparency, and the role of major energy companies in regional sustainability efforts. [Citation: Jara remarks]
12:30 p.m. Session 3: Alternative energies from green hydrogen to biomethane. Moderated by Ángel Báez, Director of Mediterráneo. Participants include Matteco, Baleària, Genia Bioenergy, and the ITE. The discussions will cover fuel pathways, market readiness, and cross-border collaboration for sustainable transport and industry. [Citation: Session 3]
1:15 p.m. Institutional closing. The closing remarks synthesize the day’s insights and outline next steps for policy and industry alignment. [Citation: Closing remarks]
1:20 p.m. Cocktail and networking. An opportunity to connect with peers, potential partners, and regional leaders in energy innovation. [Citation: Networking note]
3:30 p.m. End of the event. Attendees depart with new perspectives on how Valencia can accelerate its energy transition and support a resilient, low-emission economy. [Citation: Event conclusion]